Destiny 2’s skill-based matchmaking in PvP is broken, and some players are loving it

The latest patch for Destiny 2 added the 6v6 quickplay playlist to the game’s Crucible PvP mode, and it came with an inadvertent bug: skill-based matchmaking, which groups players based on their matchmaking ranking or MMR, isn’t working. That means complete neophytes are getting thrown in with some of the game’s most talented players.

In a post on Bungie’s forums, Destiny 2 community manager dmg04 wrote that both skill ranking and connection speed weren’t being correctly factored during matchmaking in 6v6 quickplay. While this means matchmaking happens very quickly now, it also means that players aren’t playing with others around their skill level, and in-match lag can be a significant problem.

Bungie is actively investigating the issue, but PvP design lead Derek Carroll says the team isn’t rushing in to fix things just yet.

“Our plan for the immediate future is to take no immediate action, monitor the health of the playlist, take notes, and ready a potential fix,” he said. “We will inform the community with our findings and if we make a chance, you will be the first to know.”

While low-ranking Crucible players (including this reporter) are bound to be frustrated by getting their clocks cleaned more thoroughly than usual, there are skilled Destiny 2 players who are enjoying the skill-agnostic matchmaking in 6v6. A Destiny 2 YouTuber who goes by Unknown Player, for instance, has been having a blast.

This is easily the most fun I’ve had in D2 crucible. It reminds me of the D1 days where I would play solo for hours and record fun videos, which I never do in D2. Hopefully Bungie learn from this bug and not flatout fix it. Just my thoughts tho, lemme know yours

There’s certainly an appeal to faster matchmaking and high KDRs, especially for experienced players. But more casual players may be turned off from the Crucible if they play match after match feeling uncompetitive. And even high-level players may quickly grow bored of the 6v6 playlist if they’re not being challenged.

It remains to be seen what Bungie decides to do about the situation. Of course, there’s always the new Whisper of the Worm sniper rifle to find if you need a break from the Crucible.